We Asked Teachers: What Do You Actually Want Parents to Give You?

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As your child wraps up another year of school (or maybe his or her first, in which case, congrats kindergarten grad!), there's plenty that's probably at the top of your mind, like summer camp, upcoming vacations, and plenty of days by the pool. But don't let one of the most important slip up: an end-of-the-school-year teacher gift! Your child's teacher has been so much more than just an educator this last school year. Teachers are a built-in support system for kids, a first responder in times of emergency, and a source of joy in the classroom. They deserve to be celebrated every day, but especially at the close of the school year.

We talked to teachers of all different grades and backgrounds to get their intel on what gifts they actually want from parents. And while responses for the best gifts varied, the two they don't want were heard loud and clear: "Just not any of the cheesy teacher stuff," and "Hate coffee mugs," were two answers I heard over and over again. No more coffee mugs or cheesy things — noted! Below, we've rounded up their top suggestions on what makes a teacher gift worthy of top marks.

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Amazon.com Gift Card

After talking to teachers of all different grades, there was one resounding answer they all agreed with when it comes to the perfect gift: a gift card. Whether your teacher is your best friend or you didn't get to them as well as you'd hoped, you can rest assured that they'll make plenty of use out of an Amazon gift card.

Fill-In-The-Blank Teacher Thank You Cards

Words of appreciation mean the world to teachers. It's one thing to hear a "thank you" from a parent, but hearing it from a student is twice as sweet. These cards were designed for even the littlest kids to contribute to the thank you note. Even if Mom or Dad needs to write the note, your little scholar can still help color!

Large Teacher Planner

This planner was designed specifically for teachers, and so many we talked to love them. It's especially great for middle and high school teachers that have to balance a period/block style schedule.

Personalized Teacher Pencil Sign

A personalized gift is never a bad idea! For an extra-special touch, have your little one write their name and school year along with a sweet note on the back of this sign. Every day his teacher will see it and remember the importance of what he or she does.

Rifle Paper Co. Garden Party Tackle Box

Teachers may get plenty of supplies for the kids like pencils, paper, and paints throughout the year, but chances are slim that they get anything for themselves. This tackle box is set with tons of items she'll use all the time, including push pins, binder clips, a notepad, and more.

Personalized Stationery Notepad

Teachers send a lot of notes, whether it's down the hall to the principal or home with a student. This personalized notepad isn't just cute, it'll also save her a little bit of time since she won't have to sign each and every note. Every second counts when you're responsible for kiddos!

Personalized Rainbow Weekly Notepad

Her week is probably filled to the brim with activities for her students, lesson plans, and personal obligations. Give her a helping hand with a weekly planner like this. It'll make keeping track of her day so much easier if everything is just a glance away on her desk.

Personalized Cabana Stripe Beach Towel

Take it from the daughter of a teacher: summers are for vacation time and relaxation. Odds are, she's got plans to fill her days with trips to the beach, pool, lake, or any other body of water this summer. Start the season off right with a sweet personalized towel she can take along!

Dual Compartment Lunch Bag

The teachers I spoke to recommended a new lunch box to start the next school year fresh. This one has dual compartments, so she can store snacks in the top part and her lunch in the bottom. Bonus points if you have your child write her a sweet note to hide inside. She'll appreciate the surprise next year!

FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Many teachers we spoke to mentioned how some days they don't have a free second to go get a glass of water. Having an insulated water bottle that can hold a decent amount can be such a life-saver on those extra-busy days!

Bookmark

It's crazy to think about, but each and every teacher your child has is making an impact on who they'll one day become. Remind your teacher of just how important she is with this sentimental bookmark she'll see every day.

Electric Mug Warmer

He doesn't need another mug, but there's a good chance he'll probably love a mug warmer to keep those cups of coffee piping hot.

Key Ring Holder

She's probably juggling a lot — figuratively and literally! Give her a helping hand with this useful key ring. It can easily slip up her wrist if she's carrying boxes of books or supplies and keep her hands-free with her classroom keys within quick reach.

Spafinder Gift Card

You probably don't know if she likes manicures or pedicures, or which salon she frequents, but you do know one thing for sure: she's earned some relaxation time. A Spafinder gift card can be redeemed at tons of different places (see all locations here) for a variety of different services, so she can pick exactly what she wants.

DoorDash Gift Card

Surprising your child's teacher with food can be tough, especially with allergies, preferences, and intolerances to consider. Gifting them a DoorDash gift card takes the guesswork out of it! They can order whatever they want — lunch is on you.

Teacher Stamps

Constantly writing "Good job!" "Needs work," and "Sign and return" can get exhausting after a while. This stamp set will give those tired hands a break by doing the work for her! It includes eight common teacher-isms.

Why You're the Best Teacher Ever Book

If your child is drawing a blank on what to write in a card to her teacher, then get this fill-in-the-blank journal. It over 100 prompts to fill out, most suited for one-word answers. It's meaningful yet simple, aka the perfect gift for little ones!

Because I Had a Teacher

Teachers have a tough time not tearing up when they read this sweet book. If they ever doubt the impact they have on a child's life, one read over this and all of it will fade away.

Retractable Lanyard

Teachers live by their lanyards. Everything from classroom keys to ID cards to daily itineraries live on them, so it's safe to say they get a lot of use. Starting the new year with a fresh lanyard will be just the pick-me-up your teacher needs to start back in a few months.

Custom Book Stamp

Ask any teacher and they'll tell you: things mysteriously disappear from the classroom as the year goes on, and books are not immune. This custom stamp will help your teacher and future parents keep track of what books need to be returned to school and what can stay home. The gift that keeps on giving!

Snack Box

You may not know her favorite snacks and sweets, but there's no need to with this gift box! It includes 50 popular snacks and sweets, so there are sure to be more than a few that she enjoys munching on.

World of Coffee Sampler

If your teacher is a coffee drinker, then he's sure to appreciate this sampler pack. Atlas Coffee Club sources their beans from places around the world that most of us have never had.

Electric Lunch Box

If your child's teacher goes to lunch with her class, then it's likely she doesn't have time to wait in line for the microwave. This electric lunch box will keep her food toasty for hours.

Shower Steamers

Summer should be all about relaxation and rejuvenation for teachers, and what better way to do that than with aromatherapy shower steamers? This variety pack has a scent for every mood.

Beach Bag

Fill this tote bag with sunscreen, canned drinks, and a towel to get her excited for her summer vacation or with school supplies to help prep her for next year. Either way, she'll appreciate how cute and handy it is!

$25 Gift Card

If you're still drawing a blank on what to get your child's teacher, know this: you can never go wrong with a general Visa gift card. Most establishments accept it, just like a credit card, so there's no doubt he'll find a time to use it.

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